WASHINGTON -- The FDA has approved zoledronic acid (Reclast) to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis for two years with a single injection.

WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The FDA has approved zoledronic acid (Reclast) to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis for two years with a single injection.

The drug is currently approved as a once-yearly infusion for treating the disease.

The approval comes after a two-year randomized controlled trial of 581 postmenopausal women, which found that the drug significantly increased lumbar spine bone mineral density compared with placebo -- by 6.3% in women who were in early menopause and by 5.4% in those in later stages.

"The dosing of [zoledronic acid] for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis offers an advance over existing therapies since it can be given once every two years instead of daily, weekly, or monthly, Mone Zaidi, M.D., Ph.D., of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said in a statement.

According to the FDA, the drug should not be given to patients with low blood calcium, kidney problems, or an allergy to zoledronic acid. It also should not be given to women who are pregnant or nursing.

Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, fever, muscle or joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Jaw problems have also been reported with use of the drug, the FDA said.

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